Sailing ship rental Monnickendam - 5 sailing ships

Where Monks Built a Maritime Legacy

Tucked along the shores of the Markermeer in the Dutch province of North Holland lies Monnickendam, a town whose name literally translates to "Monk's dam." Founded by Frisian monks in the 13th century, this remarkable settlement was first mentioned in written documents in 1288 and received its city rights in 1355. Located just 13 kilometers north of Amsterdam and approximately 8 kilometers southeast of Purmerend, Monnickendam is part of the municipality of Waterland and serves as an exceptional gateway to some of the Netherlands' finest sailing waters.

What makes Monnickendam particularly special for sailing enthusiasts is its strategic position at the crossroads of the Markermeer, the IJsselmeer, and the picturesque Gouwzee bay. The town's picturesque inner harbour has been home to traditional sailing vessels for centuries, from the botters and klippers to the tjalken that once dominated these waters. These flat-bottomed ships were specifically designed for the shallow Dutch waters, featuring side keels instead of traditional keels, allowing them to navigate safely and even rest on sandbanks during low tide.

Why Monnickendam Makes the Perfect Sailing Holiday Base

Choosing Monnickendam as your departure point for a sailing ship holiday offers distinct advantages that many travelers overlook. The town combines centuries of maritime heritage with modern convenience, all wrapped in authentic Dutch charm.

A Living Time Capsule of Maritime History

Unlike the more touristy villages along the coast, Monnickendam has maintained its authentic character. The compact town centre features a protected cityscape with 17th-century architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful gabled houses tilting at characteristic angles. The town boasts the highest number of gable stones (painted stone tablets) adorning the historic houses, creating a unique atmosphere that transports you back to the Dutch Golden Age.

Perfect Sailing Conditions

The Gouwzee, the stretch of water directly adjacent to Monnickendam, offers shallow, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for both novice and experienced sailors. Coming from the Markermeer, sailors enjoy easy access without having to navigate through bridges or locks. The western coast near Monnickendam is often sheltered from prevailing winds, which typically come from a westerly direction, making for comfortable sailing conditions.

Gateway to Multiple Sailing Destinations

From Monnickendam, you can reach numerous harbour towns within short sailing distances. The expansive waters of the Markermeer and IJsselmeer offer almost unlimited sailing possibilities, weather permitting, making multi-day sailing trips both practical and rewarding.

Harbours Worth Dropping Anchor

A sailing trip from Monnickendam opens up a world of charming harbour towns, each with its own distinct character and attractions.

Marken: The Peninsula That Time Forgot

Just a short sail from Monnickendam lies the former island of Marken, connected to the mainland by a dike since 1957 but retaining its distinct island atmosphere. The peninsula features characteristic green and white painted wooden houses built on stilts, a necessity from centuries of flooding. The Paard van Marken lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Sailors with their own vessels can visit Marken's harbour at any time, making it a perfect lunch stop or overnight destination.

Volendam: The Lively Fishing Village

Though more touristy than its neighbours, Volendam offers excellent mooring facilities near its famous harbour front. The village is known for its traditional folk costumes and fresh fish, particularly the locally smoked varieties that you can smell as soon as you approach the harbour.

Hoorn: Golden Age Grandeur

Sailing northward brings you to Hoorn, one of the most important trading cities of the Dutch Golden Age and a former headquarters of the Dutch East India Company. The town gave its name to Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, testament to its seafaring heritage. The harbour area beneath the iconic Hoofdtoren defensive tower, built in 1532, remains a stunning sight where time seems to stand still. The town offers several marinas close to the historic centre, including the peaceful WSV Hoorn marina surrounded by parkland.

Enkhuizen: Museum Harbour Town

Further along the coast, Enkhuizen welcomes sailors with multiple mooring options, from the Compagnieshaven to the Buitenhaven right in the centre. This former VOC city preserves its prosperous past through grand mansions, canals, and impressive city walls, offering sailors a glimpse into centuries of maritime wealth.

Marker Wadden: Europe's Newest Nature Islands

For a truly unique sailing destination, set course for Marker Wadden, an artificial archipelago created between 2016 and 2021 as one of western Europe's largest nature restoration projects. The main island features a well-equipped guest harbour with berths for around 100 yachts, offering all-round shelter and a maintained depth of 2.9 meters throughout most of the harbour. Eight miles of footpaths and boardwalks lead visitors through this rewilding paradise, which has already attracted vast numbers of breeding birds including avocets, common terns, and spoonbills.

Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Gems Worth Your Time

While docked in Monnickendam or sailing the surrounding waters, these lesser-known experiences will make your trip truly memorable.

1. Experience the World's Oldest Playable Carillon

The Speeltoren, Monnickendam's iconic bell tower dating from the 15th century, houses the world's oldest hand-playable carillon still in its original state. The 17th-century instrument with its 15 bells retains its historical tuning from the 16th century, making it famously the most "out of tune" carillon in Europe. Visit on Saturday morning at 11am or noon to witness four mechanical knights prance in the tower's wooden window as the bells chime.

2. Explore Hemmeland Recreation Area

This peninsula extending into the Gouwzee covers approximately 48 hectares of outer-dike land and offers free access to beaches, walking trails, and waterside relaxation. When winter freezes the Gouwzee, Hemmeland becomes one of the first places in the Netherlands where ice sailing is possible, with traditional DN ice sailing ships gathering on the beach near the Mirror pavilion.

3. Join the Monnickendammer Fishing Days

Every Friday from the third Friday of July through the third Friday of August, Monnickendam comes alive with traditional fishing heritage celebrations. Artisans demonstrate old crafts like net-mending, clog-making, and eel-smoking on the streets. A traditional flat-bottomed ship sails to Volendam three times daily to collect fresh fish, which is then sold at a recreated fish auction where visitors can imagine themselves as traders of old.

4. Taste the Legendary Smoked Fish

Monnickendam has been famous for its smoked fish for generations. During the 1960s and 1970s, over 30 smokehouses operated in the town. The aroma of smoked mackerel and eel still greets visitors approaching the lakeside harbour. This culinary tradition is central to the town's identity and a must-try experience.

5. Discover the Zuiderzee Museum by Water

While in Enkhuizen, dedicate half a day to the Zuiderzee Museum. This remarkable complex features over 140 historical buildings reconstructed to show life around the former Zuiderzee from 1880 to 1932. The indoor museum's ship hall displays 13 original vessels that once sailed these waters, while the outdoor section brings history to life with staff in period costume demonstrating traditional trades like rope-making, clog-carving, and fish-smoking.

Understanding the Waters: A Brief Geography Lesson

The waters around Monnickendam have a fascinating history. Until 1932, the Zuiderzee was an inland sea connected to the North Sea. The construction of the Afsluitdijk transformed this salty sea into the freshwater IJsselmeer. In 1976, a second dam linking Enkhuizen with Lelystad created the Markermeer to the south. Interestingly, plans once existed to drain the Markermeer entirely for agricultural land, which would have left Monnickendam "high and dry" overlooking fields rather than water. Fortunately, these plans were abandoned, preserving this magnificent sailing ground.

The shallow, relatively calm waters of the Markermeer make it particularly suitable for sailing holidays. Unlike the tidal Wadden Sea to the north, navigation here is straightforward with well-marked channels and easy harbour approaches. Even the longest route across the Markermeer, from Enkhuizen to Amsterdam, can be completed in a single morning under favourable conditions.

Practical Notes for Sailing Visitors

Monnickendam is easily accessible for international guests. The town lies approximately 25 minutes by bus from Amsterdam, making it simple to reach your sailing ship even if flying into Schiphol Airport. The marina at Jachthaven Waterland has earned the Blue Flag for environmental and sustainability management for over two decades, reflecting the high standards maintained in the region.

The historic centre sits just 200 meters from the harbour, allowing easy exploration on foot. Saturday mornings bring a local market to the town centre, offering regional produce and crafts against the backdrop of ancient architecture.

Your Waterland Adventure Awaits

Monnickendam offers something increasingly rare in modern tourism: authenticity. Here, the harbour still serves working vessels alongside pleasure craft. The smokehouse scent mingles with salt air. Historic buildings lean together conspiratorially, sharing secrets of seven centuries of maritime life. The town was one of the founding members of the Dutch East India Company, and during the 17th century grew into one of the most important Dutch whaling centres.

Whether you spend a weekend exploring the immediate waters of the Gouwzee or embark on a week-long voyage touching at Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and the newly created Marker Wadden, a sailing holiday from Monnickendam connects you with the authentic soul of the Netherlands. Book a sailing ship now and experience a holiday that combines adventure with history, nature with culture, and relaxation with discovery.